Cost-effective quantification of uric acid using niobium oxide and graphene oxide-modified pencil-drawn electrodes on PVC substrates.

This study introduces a cost-effective approach for quantifying uric acid (UA), the main antioxidant species in human physiology and implicated in inflammatory regulation. Using a PVC substrate and pencil drawing technique, electrodes were fabricated and modified with niobium oxide and graphene oxide via a straightforward "drop casting" method. The nanostructures of the substrate, electrode, and modified electrode were evaluated using SEM images. The synergistic effect between these materials significantly facilitated the uric acid oxidation process with a 400 mV peak potential shift and 45% current increase. The evaluation of the electrode's response to common blood and urine components showed minimal deviation. Among the components tested-ascorbic acid, glucose, nitrate, nitrite, cysteine, urea, creatinine, and ammonium ion-only the ammonium ion exhibited a 10% interference at concentrations commonly found in urine. The sensors showed a good detection limit of 8.7 µmol L-1, with a wide linear range from 8.7 to 2000 µmol L-1 with a correlation factor of 0.9993 for five different sensors. The reproducibility and repeatability of the produced sensors were estimated by the RSD at 4% and 1%, respectively. Synthetic urine samples spiked exhibited reliable analysis, with recovery values within a 5% error margin. This work presents a practical, simple, and affordable sensor platform for rapid and accurate UA quantification.

Assessment of the COVID-19 impact on the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) financing: an analysis of the financing dynamics of 2020 and 2021.

BACKGROUND: After the establishment of the public health emergency of international concern in 2020, health systems worldwide and in Brazil observed the need to apply more extraordinary logistical efforts and possibly resources to combat the imminent pandemic. METHODS: Using the historical series of public expenditures of the National Health Fund (FNS), 2015 to 2021, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a seasonal ARIMAX model, we sought to assess how the increase in the new virus infections affected the systematic financing of the SUS in Brazil. RESULTS: There were signs of seasonality and an increasing trend in the expenditure variable, which in practical terms, only indicated that the resource contributions followed an increasing trajectory already underway before the advent of the pandemic. The 1% increase in COVID-19 cases, with a one-month lag, contributes to the 0.062% increase in the variation in FNS expenditures but a decrease of 0.058% with a two-month lag. CONCLUSION: The tests showed no evidence to confirm a positive shift on FNS spending growth trajectory due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, only observing a significant increase one month after the occurrence of COVID cases, probably due to their worsening after this period, which was followed by a similar and comparable decrease in percentage of growth in the following month.

Bilateral Testicular Torsion in Bilateral Polyorchidism-A Case Report.

A 17-year-old patient with acute testicular pain had no blood flow observed on scrotal ultrasound Doppler on either side, suggestive of bilateral torsion. The patient underwent immediate scrotal surgical exploration, and a numerical anomaly was observed during surgery-there were two testicles on each side, and all four exhibited torsion. After detorsion, circulation was recovered, and three of four testicles were kept. One dystrophic testis was removed.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism and adequacy of thromboprophylaxis in 2380 acutely-ill hospitalized patients: Results from the PROFMiG cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of preventable deaths. Incidence of VTE and adequacy of thromboprophylaxis have rarely been reported in low-resourced countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of VTE and to evaluate the adequacy of thromboprophylaxis in acutely-ill medical hospitalized patients. METHODS: The PROFMiG is a prospective cohort study conducted in Brazil. We consecutively enrolled adult (> 18 years) acutely-ill hospitalized medical patients at admission. Risk assessment for VTE was evaluated by the IMPROVE7 (International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism). Outcomes were death and VTE events during hospital stay up to 90 days after discharge. All VTE and death events were adjudicated. We also evaluated pulmonary embolism-related death and adequacy of thromboprophylaxis. VTE incidence was estimated by competing risk methods. RESULTS: A total of 2380 participants was included. Median age was 70 years, 56.1 % women, median length of hospital stay was 10 days. A total of 2052 (86.3 %) patients were classified as low-risk for VTE, 30 (1.3 %) patients had objectively confirmed VTE, and 1449 (60.8 %) received inadequate thromboprophylaxis. The overall mortality rate was 14.0 %. Cumulative incidence of VTE was 2.0 % (95 % confidence interval 0.9 %-3.8 %) at 130 days after admission when considering death as competing risk. CONCLUSION: The cumulative incidence of VTE in this cohort corroborates with that reported in high-resourced countries. Despite recommendation, thromboprophylaxis was mostly inadequate. We suggest the adoption of competing risk analysis to estimate the cumulative incidence of VTE in hospitalized patients.

How does the life cycle of Clinodiplosis profusa (Cecidomyiidae) adjust to phenological variations of the host plant Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) in sun and shade?

Galls are plant neoformations induced by specialized parasites. Since gall inducers rely on reactive plant sites for gall development, variations in abiotic factors that affect plant phenology are expected to impact the life cycle of gall inducers. To test the hypothesis that different light conditions affect both host plant and gall inducer life cycles, we studied the system Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) - Clinodiplosis profusa (Cecidomyiidae), comparing plants occurring in sunny and shaded environments. We mapped phenological differences among individuals of E. uniflora occurring in the two environments and related them to the influence of luminosity on the life cycle of the gall inducer. Shade plants showed lower intensity of leaf sprouting throughout the year compared to sun-exposed plants, especially during the rainy season. Young and mature galls are synchronized with the peak of leaf sprouting at the beginning of the rainy season, lasting longer in sun-exposed plants - approximately two months longer compared to shade plants. The greater light intensity positively impacts the formation and growth of leaves and galls, with an extended period available for their induction and growth. Thus, light is an important factor for the development of gallers, considering that variations in luminosity influenced not only the phenology of the host plant, but also determined the life cycle of gall inducers. Furthermore, changes in plant-environment interactions are expected to affect the life cycle and richness of other host plant-gall inducer systems.

Combined Brilliant and Trypan Blue As Vital Dyes for Chromovitrectomy.

Brilliant blue 0.05% and trypan blue 0.1% were mixed in a proportion of 1:1 in a 1-mL syringe. This combination produced a waterfall effect with the fast sinking of the dye to the posterior pole and little diffusion through the vitreous cavity. Therefore, it can effectively stain the internal limiting membrane and the epiretinal membrane with a good contrast during surgeries for a macular hole, myopic foveoschisis, and macular pucker.

Ontogenetic differences in sun and shade galls of Clinodiplosis profusa on Eugenia uniflora leaves and the cytological antioxidant mechanisms in gall cells.

The gall-host Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) is adaptable to different light conditions, enabling leaf production and survival in both sun and shade. Leaves of E. uniflora in shaded environments have more mesophyll layers, and galls of Clinodiplosis profusa (Cecidomyiidae) are larger and wider. Based on these previous observations, this study investigated the morphogenesis of galls induced by C. profusa on leaves of E. uniflora in different light conditions, revealing if the galls have a potential for acclimation, as observed with leaves. For this purpose, we compared the anatomical, histometric, and histochemical development of leaves and galls at different stages of development in sun and shade environments. Additionally, we analyzed the cytological features of the tissues composing the mature gall walls. Cells of shade galls expanded more toward the end of the developmental phase, which may explain the larger volume found for shade galls in a previous study. However, during the mature phase, these galls showed no significant differences in tissue thickness and final cell elongation in the contrasting light conditions. In the ultrastructural analyses, mature galls showed a gradient distinguishing the outer and inner parenchyma cells. The inner parenchyma had nutritive cells, with dense cytoplasm and abundant organelles. A higher accumulation of starch grains in nutritive cells, with evidence of hydrolysis of starch grains detected in the innermost layers leads to the accumulation of reducing sugars, which, with the presence of plastoglobules and protein bodies, are important mechanisms of oxidative stress dissipation in the cells in contact with the gall inducer.

Transitional care for older persons with need of geriatric rehabilitation nursing interventions.

BACKGROUND: The literature review notes that people in need of care from Rehabilitation Programs do not always see their continuity ensured. OBJECTIVE: This study aim to analyze the perspective of Specialists Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing in relation to the organization and specialized intervention of transitional care for older people in need of rehabilitation programs. METHODS: This is a qualitative study within the interpretivist paradigm. A focus group with 8 nurses and 13 interviews with Portuguese nurses were carried out between April 2022 and February 2023. Content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: The triangulation of the data made it possible to identify 3 categories: Coordination of a transitional care program; Empowering the person to self-manage the transitional care process and Empowering the Informal Caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to promote the coordination of transitional care, increase the functional capacity of the person and empower the informal caregiver.

Motivational strategies used by health care professionals in stroke survivors in rehabilitation: a scoping review of experimental studies.

Introduction: Cognitive and motor impairments are common among stroke survivors. Physical therapy is often used to improve the functional capacity of stroke survivors. However, limited adherence to rehabilitation programs is a challenge. Motivation plays a crucial role in the success of rehabilitation programs as it influences individual adherence to treatment and overall health outcomes. This review aims to identify current trends in motivational strategies used by healthcare professionals for stroke survivor rehabilitation. Methods: Following the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, a scoping review was conducted. We performed a literature search using MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Nursing & Allied Health, and MedicLatina databases. Results: A total of 906 papers were identified. After selecting and analyzing the articles, 17 papers were included in this review. Health professionals use various strategies to motivate stroke survivors. These approaches include establishing a therapeutic alliance, improving patients' health literacy, defining realistic goals, fostering problem-solving skills, personalizing the rehabilitation program, showcasing success stories, utilizing persuasive techniques, offering encouragement and compliments, providing emotional support, and effectively managing symptoms. Conclusion: The knowledge gathered in this review can guide healthcare professionals in helping patients overcome barriers to rehabilitation, improve their motivation, and ultimately enhance their recovery outcomes.

Costic acid, a sesquiterpene from Nectandra barbellata (Lauraceae), attenuates sponge implant-induced inflammation, angiogenesis and collagen deposition in vivo.

Sesquiterpenes are a class of metabolites derived from plant species with immunomodulatory activity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of treatment with costic acid on inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis induced by subcutaneous sponge implants in mice. One sponge disc per animal was aseptically implanted in the dorsal region of the mice and treated daily with costic acid (at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 µg diluted in 10 µL of 0.5% DMSO) or 0.5% DMSO (control group). After 9 days of treatment, the animals were euthanized, and the implants collected for further analysis. Treatment with costic acid resulted in the reduction of the inflammatory parameters evaluated compared to the control group, with a decrease in the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF, CXCL-1, and CCL2) and in the activity of MPO and NAG enzymes. Costic acid administration altered the process of mast cell degranulation. We also observed a reduction in angiogenic parameters, such as a decrease in the number of blood vessels, the hemoglobin content, and the levels of VEGF and FGF cytokines. Finally, when assessing implant-induced fibrogenesis, we observed a reduction in the levels of the pro-fibrogenic cytokine TGF-ß1, and lower collagen deposition. The results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic effects of costic acid in an in vivo model of chronic inflammation and reinforce the therapeutic potential of costic acid.

Development of collagenous scaffolds for wound healing: characterization and in vivo analysis.

The development of wound dressings from biomaterials has been the subject of research due to their unique structural and functional characteristics. Proteins from animal origin, such as collagen and chitosan, act as promising materials for applications in injuries and chronic wounds, functioning as a repairing agent. This study aims to evaluate in vitro effects of scaffolds with different formulations containing bioactive compounds such as collagen, chitosan, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ε-poly-lysine (ε-PL). We manufactured a scaffold made of a collagen hydrogel bioconjugated with chitosan by crosslinking and addition of NAC and ε-PL. Cell viability was verified by resazurin and live/dead assays and the ultrastructure of biomaterials was evaluated by SEM. Antimicrobial sensitivity was assessed by antibiogram. The healing potential of the biomaterial was evaluated in vivo, in a model of healing of excisional wounds in mice. On the 7th day after the injury, the wounds and surrounding skin were processed for evaluation of biochemical and histological parameters associated with the inflammatory process. The results showed great cell viability and increase in porosity after crosslinking while antimicrobial action was observed in scaffolds containing NAC and ε-PL. Chitosan scaffolds bioconjugated with NAC/ε-PL showed improvement in tissue healing, with reduced lesion size and reduced inflammation. It is concluded that scaffolds crosslinked with chitosan-NAC-ε-PL have the desirable characteristics for tissue repair at low cost and could be considered promising biomaterials in the practice of regenerative medicine.

Physical activity among older adults with multimorbidity: Evidence from a population-based health survey.

INTRODUCTION: The promotion of physical activity has been recognized as an important component in the management and prevention of multimorbidity, a condition that is increasing prevalent worldwide, including in Brazil. However, there is a scarcity of studies exploring the disparity in physical activity levels between individuals with and without multimorbidity. Therefore, the study aimed to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity and physical activity among older adults, as well as analyze the relationship of a sufficient level of physical activity and multimorbidity, while considering sociodemographic characteristics of residents in São Paulo, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 1.019 participants aged 60 years or older (59.7% female; mean age 69.7±7.7) were collected from the Health Survey (ISA-Capital, 2015) conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. We defined multimorbidity as the presence of two or more chronic conditions, and for physical activity, classified a sufficient level (≥150 min/week). Prevalence Ratios (PR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) were estimated using univariate and multivariate Poisson regression to examine the relationship between multimorbidity and sufficient level of physical activity. RESULTS: 67.7% of the participants lived with multimorbidity, while 30.1% had achieved a sufficient level of physical activity. There was a higher prevalence of sufficient level of physical activity among older adults with two (PR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.02-1.88) and four (PR = 1.37; 95%CI 1.00-1.87) chronic conditions. Older adults with multimorbidity who were 70 years or older (PR = 1.77; 95%IC 1.13-2.77), female (PR = 1.65; 95%CI 1.16-2.36), without a partner (PR = 1.43; 95%IC 1.03-1.99), and had a per capita income of 1 to 2.5 (PR = 1.83; 95%IC 1.00-3.33) were more likely to achieve a sufficient level of physical activity compared to their peers without multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights sociodemographic disparities in the sufficient level of physical activity among multimorbidity, suggesting the importance of considering these factors when planning public policies aimed at promoting physical activity.

Post-COVID-19 functional capacity assessed with ring and walk tests: cross-sectional study / Capacidade funcional pós-COVID-19 com teste de argola e de caminhada: estudo transversal

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 can cause persistent symptoms even in mild cases, such as fatigue and dyspnea, which can reduce functional capacity and make it difficult to perform activities of daily living. Objective To compare functional capacity using the pegboard and ring test and the six-minute walk test responses in post-COVID-19 patients according to the ventilatory support used. Methods Cross-sectional study including 40 adults of both sexes after SARS-CoV2 infection between June 2020 and June 2021, with assessment of functional capacity using the pegboard and ring test (upper limbs) and the six-minute walk (lower limbs). Those who reported comprehension deficit or neuromuscular disease were excluded. All participants were evaluated between 15 and 90 days after the onset of symptoms, diagnosed by nasal swab and classified according to the ventilatory support used during the infection. Results The mean age of the participants (n = 40) was 54.30 (±12.76) years, with BMI 28.39 (±4.70) kg/m2 and pulmonary involvement in 51.49 (±17.47)%. A total of 37 participants were hospitalized with a stay of 14.33 (±15.44) days, and 30% were previously immunized, while 7.5% reached the predicted distance covered. The average achieved was 46.44% (398.63 ± 130.58 m) in the distance covered and 39.31% (237.58 ± 85.51) in the movement of rings. Participants who had invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 10) had the worst functional capacity in both tests 265.85 ± 125.11 m and 181.00 ± 90.03 rings, compared to 472.94 ± 88.02 m and 273.25 ± 66.09 rings in non-invasive ventilation (n = 8), 410.32 ± 90.39 m and 257.68 ± 62.84 rings in oxygen therapy (n = 19), 569.00 ± 79.50 m and 203.00 ± 169.00 rings when there was no hospitalization (n = 3). Conclusion Participants who required invasive mechanical ventilation had worse functional capacity, 46% of what was expected in the walk test and 39% of what was expected in the pegboard and ring test.

Resumo Introdução A COVID-19 pode causar sintomas per-sistentes mesmo nos casos leves, como fadiga e dispneia, que podem reduzir a capacidade funcional e a realização das atividades de vida diária. Objetivo Comparar a avaliação da capacidade funcional a partir do teste da argola e caminhada dos 6 minutos pós-COVID-19 con-forme o suporte ventilatório utilizado. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 40 adultos, de ambos os sexos, pós-infecção por SARS-CoV2 entre julho/2020 e julho 2021, com avaliação da capacidade funcional pelos testes da argola (membros superiores) e caminhada (membros inferiores) de 6 minutos. Todos os participantes foram avaliados entre 15 e 90 dias do princípio dos sintomas, diagnosticados por swab nasal, e classificados conforme o suporte ventilatório utilizado durante a infecção. Resultados A média de idade dos participantes (n = 40) foi 54,30 (±12,76) anos, índice de massa corporal 28,39 (±4,70) kg/m2 e acometimento pulmonar em vidro fosco 51,49 (±17,47)%. Trinta e sete participantes foram hospitalizados com permanência de 14,33 (±15,44) dias, 30% previamente imunizados; 7,5% atingiram o predito da distância percorrida. A média alcançada foi de 46,44% (398,63 ± 130,58 m) na distância percorrida e 39,31% (237,58 ± 85,51) em movimento de argolas. Os participantes que utilizaram ventilação mecânica invasiva (n = 10) apresentaram pior capacidade funcional em ambos os testes: 265,85 ± 125,11 m e 181,00 ± 90,03 argolas comparado a 472,94 ± 88,02 m e 273,25 ± 66,09 argolas em ventilação não invasiva (n = 8), 410,32 ± 90,39m e 257,68 ± 62,84 argolas em oxigenoterapia (n = 19), 569,00 ± 79,50 m e 203,00 ± 169,00 argolas sem internação (n = 3). Conclusão Os participantes que necessitaram de ventilação mecânica invasiva apresen-taram pior capacidade funcional, com 46% do esperado no teste de caminhada e 39% no teste de argola de 6 minutos.

Platynosomum illiciens infection in domestic cats: insights from a sanctuary.

Platynosomum illiciens, a trematode parasite known for its intricate life cycle, predominantly infests the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts of domestic cats. In this study, we examined feline fecal samples from a cat sanctuary in Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aiming to determine whether, even in such environments, cats retain their atavistic hunting habits, as evidenced by the presence of P. illiciens in fecal samples. The infection diagnosis utilized centrifugal sedimentation in the formalin-ethyl acetate test. Out of 72 fecal samples collected from various cats, four tested positive for P. illiciens eggs. This study serves as a reminder that even in environments where they are well-fed, cats exhibit predatory behavior, engaging in hunting and consuming prey, thus exposing themselves to parasites. It emphasizes the importance of veterinarians and cat caretakers being cognizant of the widespread presence of P. illiciens in Brazil and considering it in the differential diagnosis for cats presenting with liver or gallbladder issues. In conclusion, our findings underscore that the ancestral instinct for hunting and predation, preserved in domestic cats, persists despite fulfilling their nutritional needs.

Platynosomum illiciens, um parasito trematódeo conhecido por seu ciclo de vida complexo, infesta predominantemente o fígado, a vesícula biliar e os ductos biliares de gatos domésticos. Neste estudo, examinamos amostras fecais de felinos de um santuário de gatos na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com o objetivo de determinar se, mesmo nesses ambientes, os gatos mantêm seus hábitos de caça, evidenciado pela presença de P. illiciens em amostras fecais. O diagnóstico da infecção foi realizado por sedimentação centrífuga no teste de formalina-acetato de etila. Foram obtidas 72 amostras fecais de diferentes gatos e quatro testaram positivo para ovos de P. illiciens. Este estudo é um lembrete de que os gatos terão comportamento predatório, caçando e consumindo presas mesmo quando bem alimentados, ficando expostos ao parasito. Veterinários e cuidadores de gatos devem estar atentos à ampla presença de P. illiciens no Brasil e considerá-la no diagnóstico diferencial de gatos com problemas de fígado ou vesícula biliar. Concluindo, nossos resultados mostram que o instinto atávico dos gatos que se mantiveram conservados durante a domesticação não pode ser anulado quando as necessidades nutricionais dos gatos são satisfeitas.

Eu3+ doped ZnAl layered double hydroxides as calibrationless, fluorescent sensors for carbonate.

The photoluminescence properties (PL) of Eu3+ hosted in the hydroxide layers of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) enables calibrationless quantification of anions in the interlayers. The concept is demonstrated during the nitrate-to-carbonate ion exchange in Zn2+/Al3+/Eu3+ LDHs and can be implemented as a remote optical sensor to detect intrusion of anions such as Cl- or CO32-.

Studying the Degradation of Three Polymers under Different Chlorine Concentrations and Exposure Times.

Due to chlorine's ability to kill bacteria and fungi through a chemical reaction, chlorine solutions are commonly used to clean and disinfect numerous public facilities, although these actions are also dependent to the equipment present in those facilities. Accordingly, the interest in studying its effect when in contact with different materials is obvious. This study was carried out through accelerated degradation tests and various analysis methods (optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and tensile tests). The objective was to observe the wear presented by three polymeric materials, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP), when exposed to chlorine's action in swimming pools and drinking water treatment plants. The resulting effect depends on the chlorine content and the type of contact between the chemical agent and the material. The aim was to select the material less likely to be affected by chlorine through tests and analyses, allowing a longer component life. The use of certain more resistant polymeric materials can drastically reduce maintenance, reducing fundamental factors such as costs, the downtime of municipal facilities, and also the risk to public health. It was concluded that PVC has the most stable behaviour overall when in contact with chlorine solutions.

Contemporary practices of physical trainers in professional soccer: A qualitative study.

Introduction: Physical trainers (PTs) are integral for managing load, reducing injury and optimizing performance in professional soccer. However, little is known about how this practitioners operate in the applied setting and how some of the nuances experienced influence practice. Methods: This study explored the contemporary practices of PTs in professional soccer. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight PTs from different professional teams in European and South American leagues. Interview questions were designed to extract information on the evaluation of physical abilities, monitoring and control of training and injury prevention. Subsequently, the interviews were video-recorded, transcribed, translated and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results: The results suggest that the evaluation of physical capacities is carried out by PTs at the beginning of the preseason. It also appears that it is attempted that this process of regular testing is applied during the competitive period, with most participants conducting partial physiological and physical evaluations at different stages throughout the competitive season. In relation to the monitoring and control of training, subjective feedback scales are used to estimate the internal load, and the use of GPS devices is common to quantify external loads. Injury prevention programmes were implemented by all participants and were generally in a multi-component format focused on preventing or optimizing physical capabilities. Discussion: These insights can be used as a scientific reference point to inform applied practice in professional soccer, especially for practitioners that are inexperienced and aspiring to enhance how they operate in the field. Future investigations should explore the practices of PTs in detail and across a wider network in order to gain deeper and comprehensive insights into the applied soccer environment.

Epidermal and subepidermal changes during the formation of hairy galls induced by Eriophyidae on Avicennia schaueriana leaves.

Leaf-galling Eriophyidae (Acarina) may promote simple or complex alterations in the organs of their host plants, such as an increase in indumentum density or the reorganization of epidermis and ground system tissue patterns. To test if hairy galls of Eriophyidae on Avicennia schaueriana (Acanthaceae) are related to complex changes, leaf galls in distinct developmental phases were compared to non-galled leaves using anatomical, histochemical, and histometric analyses. Quantitative comparisons of preferential gall induction sites and gall area according to distinct leaf portions were made to evaluate if the impacts of gall formation can be related to the distinct potentialities of leaf microsites. The apical portion of the leaves and leaf margins were the sites with the highest occurrence of galls, but no relationship was detected between gall area and induction site. The gall anatomy revealed that epidermal features are influenced the most with the development of abnormal stomata and projected or sunken salt glands. The most striking change is the neoformation of elongated filiform trichomes on the abaxial surface (where the mites occur) that accumulate reducing sugars and proteins. The filiform trichomes may protect the inducers against abiotic stressors and enemies, and the primary metabolites that accumulate are important foods for mites. The mesophyll has simple alterations, only in the spongy parenchyma. Complex alterations occur only in abaxial epidermal cells close to feeding sites of the inducer. The number of inducers per gall seems to be the most important influence on gall size, since gall area is not related to the position in the leaves.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY BIOMARKERS AND MICROPERIMETRY FEATURES IN BEHÇET'S UVEITIS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the parafoveal macular microvasculature and the macular function in patients with retinal vasculitis associated with Behçet's uveitis. METHODS: In 14 patients with inactive Behçet's uveitis and 26 control individuals (13 with nonocular Behçet's syndrome and 13 healthy subjects), we analyzed the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, full retinal thickness, foveal avascular zone area and sectorial parafoveal vascular density in the superficial vascular plexus, intermediate capillary plexus, and deep capillary plexus using SPECTRALIS optical coherence tomography (OCT) 2 and OCT angiography. Macular sensitivity was analyzed using an MP-3 microperimeter. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes (78%) had a best-corrected visual acuity ≥ 20/25. Significant differences were found in Behçet's uveitis in comparison with the controls on the OCT and OCT angiography: 14.8%, 22.4%, and 14.9% ganglion cell layer thinning in the global, nasal, and inferior sectors, respectively; 6%, 13.2%, and 7.5% full retinal thickness thinning in the superior, nasal, and inferior sectors; and 16.8%, 14.9%, 23.6%, 15.8%, and 12.6% mean deep capillary plexus density reduction in the global, superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal sectors. Microperimetry data demonstrated significant mean reductions of 21% and 23.6% in central and average macular sensitivities and 28.8%, 40.4%, 27.7%, and 24.2% in the superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal sectors, respectively. Outer plexiform layer elevations were observed in Behçet's uveitis (69.6%). CONCLUSION: Behçet's uveitis presented structural and functional macular damage despite good best-corrected visual acuity, mainly affecting the nasal sector and the deep capillary plexus. On OCT and OCT angiography, quantitative and qualitative changes can be valuable biomarkers of ocular involvement in Behçet's syndrome.

Czech dysplasia mimicking rheumatoid arthritis: Case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: This study reported a family with most members affected by Czech dysplasia. We examined the patients' clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics and evaluated their functional capacity using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index. METHODS: The method used was case series description and literature review. RESULTS: This study showed that the pathogenic variant c.823C>T in the COL2A1 gene, which is a characteristic of Czech dysplasia, was found in 12 Brazilian individuals. Half of the patients in this family met the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. Patients had arthritis in their hand joints, synovitis detected by ultrasound, and alterations in inflammatory tests. The Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index assessment revealed that all patients exhibited moderate-to-severe functional disability. What distinguish Czech dysplasia from RA are an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, platyspondyly, sensorineural hearing loss, and shortening of the metatarsal bones. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider Czech dysplasia as a potential differential diagnosis for RA. This autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia is associated with normal height, short metatarsals, platyspondyly, hearing loss, enlarged epiphyses, and precocious osteoarthritis. Inflammatory findings such as arthritis, synovitis, and alteration of inflammatory markers may also be present in individuals with Czech dysplasia.